The Department of Human Resources is pleased to announce the opening of the 2021 Staff Dream Fund program. Privately funded through an Educational Foundation Endowment and first launched in 2008, this program provides monetary awards and/or paid time off for fulltime classified staff and administrative and professional faculty members to fulfill a long-held dream such as pursuing studies in an area unrelated to work, traveling to another country or visiting family far away.

Proposals are reviewed by a Screening Committee of representatives from Administration and Finance, Academic Affairs, Student Engagement and Enrollment Services, University Advancement, HACE, AUA, and Athletics. Final selection is made by a Selection Committee comprised of the VP for Advancement, VP for Human Resources, and the Employee Relations Manager.

Recipient(s) are selected based upon merits of their proposal, past service, and their promise of future service to Â鶹´«Ã½. The award(s) are announced in the late spring and funding will be made in July.

Eligibility:

  • Full-time classified and administrative and professional faculty
  • Minimum of five consecutive years of Â鶹´«Ã½ service
  • Satisfactory or higher performance evaluations
  • No formal discipline within the preceding 12 months (e.g. written notices, letter of reprimand or sanctions)
  • State recognition policies apply

The proposal process opens on April 14, 2021. Proposals are due to the Department of Human Resources by May 21, 2021. A description of the program, including selection criteria and proposal form are available on the .

Proposal packets must contain:

  • A completed online proposal (link below) which includes:
    • A thorough description of the dream and reasons for it (Please note: Awards are not intended to address personal/financial hardships, emergencies, or job-related professional development)
    • A budget/financial plan for achieving the dream
    • A statement of intent to remain at Â鶹´«Ã½ for the foreseeable future
    • Letter of support from a direct supervisor indicating the candidate is a valuable and meritorious employee
    • Letter of support from an Â鶹´«Ã½ colleague

To access the Staff Dream Fund proposal form, click the following link: